Argentina National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Ruggeri · Ayala · Sorín · Tarantini · Mascherano · Ardiles · Di Stéfano · Riquelme · José Moreno · Di María · Carrizo

Argentina plays with a high press using a 3-4-3 formation. The lineup is built to win it back high up the pitch and break quickly when the ball is recovered. This team plays a vertical game to hit in behind the opposition defence and punish mistakes.

Carrizo stays in goal to clear the lines and command the penalty area. A back three of Ruggeri, Ayala, and Tarantini forms the defensive base. Ruggeri acts as the central defender to win the header and hold the line. Ayala and Tarantini play as wide centre-backs to cover the space and squeeze the space when the opponent moves wide. They defend zonally to maintain a compact shape and ensure they can track back if the ball is lost.

The midfield uses a single pivot to control the center of the pitch. Mascherano sits in front of the back three to shield the defence and deny the pivot. Ardiles works to carry the ball forward and progress through the thirds to connect the lines. Riquelme operates as a playmaker who can receive on the half-turn and split the defence with a through ball using his passing range. Sorín provides energy to track back and cover the left flank while also helping to recycle possession and switch play.

The attacking unit features three players across the front to stretch the defence. Di María and Di Stéfano act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create central overloads. Using his dribbling style, Di María beats his man to get to the byline and whip it in. Often, Di Stéfano will arrive late into the box to find space. José Moreno plays as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and hold up the ball to link up play between the lines.

A major advantage for Argentina is the ability to press in pairs to win the ball high up the pitch. The midfield can compress the midfield to prevent the opponent from playing through the lines. Additionally, the wingers like Di María and Di Stéfano create wide overloads when they move inside, which allows the team to stretch the defence and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This 3-4-3 formation relies on intense pressure and quick transitions to dominate. It is perfectly suited for matches against opponents that struggle to play short from the back.